Jo Bistodeau

Growing Up Tabbert Jo Bistodeau

From the Author:




I can't recall when I began this journey to the past. About 10-15 years ago, I believe. My work has been very spotty, interrupted by summer golf, vacations, work, and even Packer games. At times, it became overwhelming. It began when I read Uncle Art's letter. That fascinated me. I had little recollection of my grandfather's siblings and nothing of those that came before him. The stories of cannon balls, meeting Buffalo Bill, and of a tragic railroad accident, got me curious to learn more.




And then there are our own stories. Who will tell of our fiascos of childhood if we don't record them? It's not that we are people of notoriety. (Although someone must have been at one time, as we have a family crest.) We have no history of ancestors being politicians (except around the campfire), no millionaire sports figure or actor, no famous author or historian. We are mostly caregivers, ordinary people that do "ordinary work" - teachers, nurses, farmers, soldiers, policeman, builders, etc., with little recognition except from within our own family network. I have no doubt that those who turn these pages will only be my relatives (and may not be too many of those...). But I have enjoyed the journey, and our stories are worth the telling. We are a family of sharing and caring. We laugh and cry together. We support each other in times of need. I am so privileged to have grown up in this family. These are just a few of the stories and times we have shared.




The stories and anecdotes in this collection about our ancestors have been retrieved from census records, immigration records, and recollections of the older Tabberts. More recent stories have been provided by my siblings, nieces, and nephews. Of course, most of these stories are recollections and may be enhanced in the translation, but they are recorded nevertheless. My hope is that no one is offended - that was never my intention.




So let the journey begin...